STUDENTS at Sidcot School have been learning more about modern day feminism as part of the school’s personal and social development programme.

The progressive Quaker school teamed up with equalities specialist, Elaine Sullivan, who delivered a workshop to the students in a bid to ensure boys and girls are involved in discussions about feminism.

Miriam Gosling, director of peace and global studies at the school, said: “Our young people are the change makers of the future.

“If we can help them understand their world more objectively and to see how gender stereotyping affects them directly and indirectly we can foster greater equality in school and home life.”

At the session, on May 8, students explored the difference between male and female role models.

Mrs Sullivan also challenged students to consider how language reinforces the perception that girls are not as good as boys and encouraged pupils to consider how the language they use perpetuates these misconceptions.

Mrs Sullivan, said: “Feminism is about the equality of individuals as human beings first and not just about being male or female, therefore both sexes need to be included in the conversation.

“However, there is an increasing move in the media to also objectify males, portraying the same unrealistic images around looks and body form as seen in female images. The concern with this is that it will introduce the same sense of ‘not being good enough physically’ into the male arena as has been felt by women for years.”